BAILEY, Benjamin. Dewsbury, Yorkshire ?.11.1791 — Sheinton, Shropshire 3.4.1871. Rev. British Missionary of Church Missionary Society and Pioneer of Malayālam Lexicography. Son of Joseph and Martha Bailey. Ordained priest 1815 in York, he married 1816 Elizabeth Ella and left for Kerala, where he founded his mission station in Kottayam. Worked also as teacher and promoted Malayālam printing (the first press, Kottayam 1821). In 1831-34 on furlough in England. In 1839-42, he built the Anglican church in Kottayam (Christ Church) in Gothic style. Returned to England in 1850 on health reasons and became 1856 Rector of Sheinton, 1862 also Rural Dean of Condover, Salop, held both offices until death. Also a botanist.
Publications: Translated the Bible in Malayālam, then known as the “Bailey Bible”, and other religious works.
– A Dictionary of High and Colloquial Malayalim and English. 852 p. Cottayam 1846; A Dictionary, English and Malayalim. 545 p. Cottayam 1849.
Sources: J. Mathew in Dict.of Christian Biography in Asia with portrait (online); Wikipedia with bust.
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